The city council of Mississauga, Ontario has voted to lift the ban on Uber and similar companies’ operations and push back the deadline for the ride-sharing pilot program.
For the past few weeks, the city has been embroiled in a back-and-forth with Uber. Initially, the council voted to ban the service, but later offered to launch a ride-sharing pilot program under the condition that Uber should
shut down until the program is launched.
However, Uber ignored the order to shut down and continued its operations. But it seems Uber and other TNCs (transportation network companies) have got their way, as the city council has voted to allow TNCs to continue by a vote of 8-4.
Mayor Bonnie Crombie, as well as Councillors Tovey, Ras, Fonseca, Kovac, Iannicca, Saito, and McFadden voted ‘yes’, while Councillors Parrish, Starr, Mahoney, and Carlson voted ‘no’.
With regards to the decision, Mayor Crombie commented: "We want the taxi industry and TNC representatives at the table and to be full partners in this committee that is tasked with developing a made in Mississauga pilot program to regulate TNCs.
"This pilot program is an opportunity to bring both sides together and to allow us to test drive ride sharing companies like UberX in Mississauga, on our terms.
"Today, Council made the responsible decision by voting to proceed with a real plan that will allow us to better address the growing demand for TNCs.
"Innovation, technology and growth are driving competition in an established industry that has a long history of providing quality and reliable service. The debate about how to regulate TNCs is not going away and we need to get it right."
